PEOPLE living near a proposed site for a 26ft radio communications mast in the Conwy Valley have voiced their concerns.

Concerned residents in Penmachno say the proposed 8metre (26 foot) Police TETRA radio mast will be located at Dwr Cymru Welsh Water Reservoir, Bron y Foel, if it gets the go-ahead by planners at Snowdonia National Park Authority.

Up to 150 local people living near the proposed site are already objecting to the mast’s location saying there has never been a public consultation about the plans for a mast.

“We are not against improving communications for the emergency services, but it would have been nice to of been consulted on the preferred locations as we are sure there must have been other sites assessed,” said one concerned local who wanted to remain anonymous.

On the village website Penmachno.net people are already freely voicing their objections, with one forum post saying: “The proposed site of this ‘H’ shaped mast and its outbuildings will be clearly seen in a very exposed and prominent position directly above the centre of the village.”

Another post said: “It will be clearly visible throughout the village spoiling the natural beauty of the surrounding area.”

While another said: “The close proximity of a radio mast will inevitably bring down the value of houses and land within view of it, and will affect local bed and breakfast businesses and tourism.”

Residents are worried about its financial effects - Llanrwst estate agent Iwan M Williams advised: “The presence of this mast will reduce property values in the vicinity by up to 20%.”

Snowdonia National Park Authority planners confirmed they have yet to receive a planning application from Airwave Solutions. A spokeswoman from Airwave said they have not yet submitted an application for a mast in Penmachno. She added: “But if we were to submit one the public would be consulted as part of the normal planning process.”

However a statement from Dwr Cymru Welsh Water regarding the proposed planning application for an emergency communications Tetra mast, suggested the planning process had progressed: “We are aware of a planning application being submitted by Airwave for an emergency communications mast at Penmachno Reservoir.

“Airwave has consulted with us over this and we are happy for the mast to be sited on our land.”

The village website Penmachno.net also tells residents to voice their concerns in writing before Friday, April 30, to Mr. E Williams, Clark to Bro Machno Community Council: